Budding young Linlithgow golfers will have better opportunities than ever to take up the game after the opening of a new junior practice facility at Linlithgow Golf Club.

As one of the earliest clubs in Scotland to join forces with the national junior golf programme, clubgolf, Linlithgow has a welcoming attitude towards juniors who have been introduced to the introductory game, firstclubgolf in local primary schools.

Emerging out of Scotland’s successful bid to host the Ryder Cup, clubgolf is the partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland, developed as a direct result of the Scottish Executive's commitment to introduce every nine-year-old child in Scotland to golf.

Since it started its clubgolf Stage 1 programme in 2004, over 80 children have come to the Linlithgow Golf Club for junior coaching.  The Club has six qualified PGA Level 1 coaches and a junior membership exceeding 90.  

With increasing interest from children on its clubgolf programme, it wasn’t long before juniors needed a dedicated practice area.  With full backing from the Club’s committee, the Club’s past Captain and clubgolf coordinator, Doug McEwan, submitted the successful application to Awards for All. 

 Having secured the £10,000 grant, the modernisation process began and Club Manager, Richard McLuckie, oversaw the project which concluded today.  The new practice facility comprises three new holes, three greens and a large bunker.

“This is a huge jump forwards for the children in terms of the facilities they can now use,” said Mr McEwan.  “They’ll now have their own dedicated area where they can practise with an accompanying adult.

“Before this we had a putting green and a teeing off area on the practice ground.  Now there are three holes, all under 100 yards which have been designed for youngsters and a large bunker which up to six children can use at one time in perfect safety.

“The Club Captain, Ian Shiells, and Manager, Richard McLuckie, are the driving forces behind the project and have both been hugely supportive.” 

Andy Kelly, sportscotland Project Manager for local facilities, said, "Linlithgow is one of a growing number of clubs looking to offer more for its younger members and we are delighted to support them develop their junior practice facilities.

“Juniors are the future of the game and it is vital we provide better facilities for them to learn and sustain their progress.  This is exactly the type of project clubgolf is keen to promote and having this practice facility in place will give local children the opportunity to develop their skills for years to come.”